The Parent PlaceSuggestions and Advice for Family Fun and Educational Support

Another school year is upon us, and the freedom and spontaneity of summer is in the rearview mirror, at least for a little while. But, that doesn’t mean that family fun has to be packed up with your summer memories. In fact, the cooler temperatures of fall can lend to great activities that might not seem practical during summer vacation. Below are some suggestions to make this fall fun for the entire family.

Plant Some BulbsThe blooms of summer annuals are drooping, but that doesn’t mean that your green thumb has to wilt too. Take your brood out to the garden and plant some tulip or daffodil bulbs. They are easy to plant and care for, even for little ones. And the payoff of early spring flowers is something fun to look forward to, especially when the snow is still piling up in March! Bulbs are a great introduction to gardening for you blooming horticulturist.

The Friendly Farm, Rt. 101, Dublin, NHhttp://www.friendlyfarm.comThe Friendly Farm is under an hour away from Manchester, and it is much more than a petting zoo. Residents include everything from chicks to pigs to donkeys and horses. There is even a pair of peacocks that strut their stuff around the barnyard, and a working beehive. The Friendly Farm is family owned and operated, and it is CLEAN. Bring your lunch and enjoy their picnic area. Admission is $8.50 for adults and $7.50 for children. Check their website for hours.

A Day, or Afternoon, at the BeachSeriously, fall is a great time to visit the beach. Heat and humidity, paired with the often frigid Atlantic, can make summer days at the ocean less than pleasant for little beach combers. The moderate weather of September and October is far more pleasant for family fun. Pack some snacks, sweatshirts, and a football or kite for an afternoon adventure. Fewer people on the beach, and horseback riders at Hampton, are additional reasons for adding this activity to your calendar.

Star GazingInstead of dreading the waning daylight of fall, embrace it with some early evening star gazing. Lower humidity equals clearer skies, and cooler temps mean fewer mosquitos! Grab a blanket and a book about constellations from your local library and go find the big dipper with your little astronomer.